8-A Solving the Problem
Selected opportunity: Online
shopping has not been created equally, with every shape and size in mind,
because the clothing is always modeled on women who fit the industry mold - not
the every day woman.
Solution: With the help of virtual
reality, the online shopping experience will be much more efficient and
effective. Women who shopped online would no longer have to rely on the images
of tall and skinny models, or check the measurements to see if they are in line
with their own. The VR experience could be performed in one of two ways. First,
customers would take their physical measurements and upload the information into an app on their phone. On the app, customers will design an avatar (similar to a SIM character, but more realistic) that will look like them and will try on the outfits under the brands that are using this technology. Customers could choose between using virtual reality headsets to view the avatar, or a virtual reality mirror that would mimic their movements with help from the avatar.
This virtual reality experience would be more like the in-store experience, but would have the comfort and convenience of online shopping. I believe this would boost online sales, as well as boost consumer happiness.
The biggest issues to start will be cost of implementation for the fashion brands and cost to the consumers to have access to this technology. In order to alleviate some of these costs for the brands, the app could have a membership monthly fee of $9.99 (similar to apps like Spotify and Pandora). Consumers could have a small fee to subscribe to specific brands, which would help narrow down the search of products. With the cost of implementation supplemented, the cost to consumers would slowly decrease as well as more brands would be adopting the technology and the demand for the app would rise.
Hi Shannon,
ReplyDeleteThis is a really cool idea. I love that you mentioned a "SIM" avatar. I grew up playing The Sims and always felt it had so much potential. Actually, on a personal note, I designed the house my dad wanted to build on The Sims so he could try out different room arrangements and where he wanted everything to be. I've always wanted something that would try on clothes for me, but just an idea: I think it would be neat if when you purchase your VR set, you get your measurements so that the avatar can have your exact measurements because even just a few inches can make such a difference.
This is a great concept! Your “Solving the Problem” post answers all of my questions from the previous post. Having the person’s measurements built into the app is a great idea. That way they don’t have to enter their measurements each time. Maybe the app could also suggest a size for each particular item based on the measurements of the person and the measurements of the garment.
ReplyDeleteI really like this idea. I could totally see myself using a product like this. What would be even cooler is if in the virtual world you had the option to experience walking around the store that you are shopping at and probably to ability to connect with friends so you could shop together. Price point is not bad considering most people shop the same brand or store for all their clothing. I feel like there is a lot of ways this virtual opportunity can go.
ReplyDeleteShannon,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea. Ive been interested in Virtual Reality since it has came out and i think the opportunities it creates are endless. I had never thought Virtual Reality could be used for shopping, but the idea has tremendous potential. VR takes electronic shopping to the next level. The lifelike features that VR creates is extremely marketable, especially to the people of a younger generation because they tend to be more interested in technology. Nice job!